Puran Singh
EMPLOYMENT
2022-Present Associate Professor, School of Management, IIT Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
2016-2023 Faculty Incharge & Director Incubation, IIT Mandi Catalyst, a technology business incubator
2021-2022 Associate Professor, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
2015-2021 Assistant Professor, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
2014-2015 Assistant Professor, Finance, BITS-Pilani, KK Birla Campus, Goa
2013-2014 Research Associate, Indian School of Business, Hyderabad
2012-2013 Academic Associate, Indian School of Business, Hyderabad
2009-2012 Research Scholar, University Business School, PU, Chandigarh
EDUCATION
2013 PhD, Finance, University Business School, PU Chandigarh
2008 MBA, Finance, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla
2006 B.Com, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla (Gold Medal)
FELLOWSHIPS
Fellow, Digital Research Identity Initiative, Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, April 2018-2020
Senior Research Fellowship, University Grants Commission, 2012
Junior Research Fellowship, University Grants Commission, 2010-12
CURRENT RESEARCH INTERESTS
Financial Inclusion: Challenges facing business correspondent model of banking
Entrepreneurship: New Venture Creation Dynamics, National and Regional Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, Entrepreneurship Policy Research, Entrepreneurship Finance, Rural Entrepreneurship, Social Impact Venture Creation
TEACHING
HS205 Financial Accounting, Aug 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
HS551 Financial Management, Aug 2015, Feb 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023
HS650 Statistical Methods, Feb 2017, Feb 2018
HS304 Organizational Management, Feb 2018
HS510 Essentials of Entrepreneurship, Aug 2018, Feb 2021, Aug 2021, Feb 2022, Aug 2022
HS535 Financial Inclusion, Aug 2020
Entrepreneurship Practicum July 2022
MB533 Entrepreneurship, Aug 2023
MB515 Financial Statement Analysis, Aug 2023
MB527 Financial Management Feb 2023, Jan 2024
GUEST FACULTY
MBA ZC415 Financial and Management Accounting, WILP, Bits-Pilani, 2015, 2016, 2018
MOOC
Financial Accounting, NPTEL, July 2020, January 2022, January 2023: https://nptel.ac.in/noc/courses/noc20/SEM2/noc20-mg71/
WORKING PAPERS
Gupta, S., & Singh, P. Role of banking agents in shaping banking behaviour of rural populations.
Kaur, N., Singh, P. & Gupta, S. Choice of Banking Methods and Financial Literacy: An Empirical Analysis in Rural India
Gupta, S., & Singh, P. Business model analysis of Banking Agents
Sirohi, A., Singh. P. Business model analysis of Homestays: A Study in two Himalayan States
PUBLICATIONS
Prakash, A., Jain, A., Singh, P., & Sarkar, A. (Eds.). (2023). Technology, Policy, and Inclusion: An Intersection of Ideas for Public Policy (1st ed.). Routledge India. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003433194
Gupta, S., & Singh, P. (2023) What drives activity of banking agents? Evidence from Rural India. World Development Perspectives. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wdp.2023.100522
Gupta, S., & Singh, P. (2023). Technology and financial inclusion : A study of technology’s role in continuity of banking agents. In Technology, Policy, and Inclusion: An intersection of ideas for public policy (1st ed.). Routledge India.
Singh, P. & Gupta, S. (2021). State of Agent Banking Himachal Pradesh. DIRI, ISB. https://diri.isb.edu/en/community/blog-grid/state-of-agent-banking-in-hpstate-of--agent-banking-in-himachal-.html
Singh, P., & Ray, S. S. (2021). Arnetta technologies: minimum viable product. The CASE Journal. Emerald Publishing. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/TCJ-08-2019-0076/full/html
Singh, P. & Kaur, H. (2019). Zenatix: Discovering Market Fit. Ivey Publishing, 9B19A019, 11p. https://www.iveycases.com/ProductView.aspx?id=102444
Singh, P., Vishwanathan, B. & Bang, Nupur, P. (2016). M Power Micro Finance: Early Battle for Survival, Ivey Publishing, 9B15M120, 10p. https://www.iveycases.com/ProductView.aspx?id=76011
Singh, P., Bang, Nupur, P. & Chakrabarti, R. (2015). Prosharpe Wealth Management, ET Cases, 17p. http://www.etcases.com/prosharpe-wealth-management-financial-management.html
Bang, Nupur, P., Singh, P. & Kuriyan, V (2014). India’s Passion for Gold: Velvetcase, ISB Case Series, Harvard Business Publishing, ISB035-PDF-ENG, 18p. https://hbsp.harvard.edu/product/ISB035-PDF-ENG?Ntt=&itemFindingMethod=Search
Bang, Nupur, P., Singh, P. & Kuriyan, V. (2014). The Gold Story, ISB Case Series, Harvard Business Publishing, ISB037-PDF-ENG,8p. https://hbsp.harvard.edu/product/ISB037-PDF-ENG?Ntt=&itemFindingMethod=Search
Bang, Nupur, P., Singh, P. & Kuriyan, V. (2014). Gold as an asset class, ISB Case Series, Harvard Business Publishing, ISB038-PDF-ENG,12p. https://hbsp.harvard.edu/product/ISB038-PDF-ENG?itemFindingMethod=Other
Singh, P. , Bang, Nupur, P. Bhattacharjee, K. and Chakrabarti, R. (2013). Krishna Bhima Samruddhi Local Area Bank (KBSLAB): A Decade Review, ISB Case Series, Harvard Business Publishing, ISB018-PDF-ENG, 24p. https://hbsp.harvard.edu/product/ISB018-PDF-ENG
Singh, P., Bang, Nupur, P. Bhattacharjee, K. and Chakrabarti, R. (2013). A Note on Evolution and Growth of Microfinance, ISB Case Series, Harvard Business Publishing, ISB020-PDF-ENG, June 2013, 6p. http://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cb/web/product_detail.seam;jsessionid=082168063298CF6EE75482D40B43370D?E=4800851&R=ISB020-PDF-ENG&conversationId=408877
Singh, P. and Singh, K. (2011). An Empirical Analysis of Disclosure and Performance of Indian Microfinance Institutions, Panjab University Research Journal, 38 (1&2), 107-122.
Singh, P. (2011). Performance of Regulated Microfinance Institutions: Empirical Analysis of Indian Microfinance Industry. In Inclusive Growth and Microfinance Access, Proceedings of Conference on Inclusive Growth and Microfinance Access, Banaras Hindu University, Macmillan Publishers, New Delhi.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
"Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Student Survey 2023", in collaboration with the University of Bern & University of St.Gallen, 2023-Present
"Role of Aadhaar in improved last mile delivery of banking services?", funded by DIRI, ISB, Hyderabad, 2018-20
"Evaluation of BC Model of Banking: A case study in Himachal Pradesh", funded by ICSSR, 2018-19
"Financial Inclusion and Financial deepening through branch-less banking in Himachal Pradesh", funded by IIT Mandi, 2016-18
Doctoral Students
Sanal Gupta | Area: Agent Banking in Himachal Pradesh | 2016-2022 [Graduated]
Navdeep Kaur | Area: Financial literacy in rural populace | 2018-Present
Suryani Sinha Ray | Area: Product development dynamics of technology-based startups | 2018- Present
Dharmendra Yadav | Area: Student Entrepreneurship | 2022-Present
Neha Jaswal | Area: Incubator's role in bridging market separations for startups | 2022-Present
Lakhwinder Singh | Area: Role of Startup Mentoring | 2022-Present
FIELD STUDY NOTES
Singh, Puran and Gupta, Sanal (2018). One Person Banks: Access vis a vis User Experience, Digital Identity Research Initiative, Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.
Singh, Puran and Kaur, Navdeep (2018). How is Aadhaar making banking smooth for people at the last mile?, Digital Identity Research Initiative, Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.
ASSOCIATION WITH PROFESSIONAL BODIES/COMMITTEES
Member, Governing Body, Indian STEPS and Business Incubators' Association (ISBA), Dec 2022-2023
Member, CII Northern Region Committee on Startup & Entrepreneurship for the year 2022– 23, 2023-24
Member, CII Startup Panel, Himachal Pradesh, 2022-Present
Founding Member, Global Association of Financial and Entrepreneurial Research (GAFER), 2022-Present
WORKSHOPS/SESSIONS DELIVERED
Expert Speaker, Rich Startup, Poor Startup, Innoventure, NMIS Chandigarh, April 2, 2024
Speaker, General Management/Leadership Program for GUVNL, March 11-16, 2024, IIT Mandi
Speaker, Panel discussion on "Unveiling the Impact of PMJDY: Integrating Quantitative Outcomes and Qualitative Insights", “The Impact Assessment of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): With Reference to Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh”, Dept of Economics, University of Rajasthan, March 14, 2024
Speaker, Panel discussion on 'Journey from Financial Inclusion to Financial Wellbeing – Focus areas for the next financial inclusion strategy', Reserve Bank of India, Frontline Managers' Conference, March 7, 2024, New Delhi
Speaker, 2-hour workshop on Problem Statement Canvas, IIT Mandi Catalyst, Feb 28, 2024
Speaker, 10-Hour Workshop on Entrepreneurship Development, HP Kaushal Vikas Nigam & Center for Continuing Education, IIT Mandi, Feb 20-21, 2023
Speaker, "Fundamentals of Finance for Startups", during IIT Mandi Catalyst's Exploration Program, IIT Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Feb 19, 2024
Speaker, "Mindset to Methodology", during event titled आवर्धन: From spark to unicorn brilliance,” Organized by the Incubation Centre, NIT Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, Feb 03, 2024
Speaker, "Effectuating an Incubator in an Impossible Geography", The International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology (iCreate), Gujarat, Dec 22, 2023
Speaker, "Effectuating an Incubator in an Impossible Geography", International Confluence Conference on Startups and Innovation, December 13-15, 2023, Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras
Chair, Master Session, International Confluence Conference on Startups and Innovation, Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras, December 13-15, 2023,
Speaker, 3-Hour Workshop on Entrepreneurship Development, HP Kaushal Vikas Nigam & Center for Continuing Education, IIT Mandi, Nov 14, 2023
Speaker, 10-Hour Workshop on Entrepreneurship Development, HP Kaushal Vikas Nigam & Center for Continuing Education, IIT Mandi, Nov 09-13, 2023
Speaker, 10-Hour Workshop on Entrepreneurship Development, HP Kaushal Vikas Nigam & Center for Continuing Education, IIT Mandi, July 29-30, 2023
Speaker, Panel Discussion on Sustainability of Business Incubator-Good Practices, ISBAcon 2023, Indian STEPS and Incubators' Association, Mumbai, Oct 26-28, 2023
Coordinator and Facilitator, 5-day Faculty Development Program on Entrepreneurship, Ideation & Innovation, Oct 9-13, 2023, Organized by SCERT, School of Management-IIT Mandi & Center for Continuing Education, IIT Mandi
"Effectuating an incubator in an impossible geography", UNCONFERENCE ON INCUBATION PRACTICE AND NETWORKING", Indian STEPS & Incubators' Association, April 20–21, 2023, IIT Mandi Campus
Speaker, Strengthening the Ecosystem: Incubators as Enablers, Startup Kumbh: G20-DIA National Roadshow, AIC-BIMTECH, March 28, 2023
Speaker, ICON 2022: A startup-corporate connect initiative, Confederation of Indian Industries, Panel on Strengthening Startup Ecosystem and Promoting Partnership, organized by CII-HP, Nov 15, 2022
Speaker, ICON 2021 - A startup-corporate connect initiative, Confederation of Indian Industries, HP, Nov 29, 2021
Speaker, Jajba-Celebrating World Entrepreneur Week, Chitkara University-Baddi, Nov 17, 2021
Panel member, Stories From India’s Startup Schools, 100X.VC, June 2020, https://www.100x.vc/blog/stories-from-indias-startup-schools-100x.vc-team-2020-startups
Technical Session Chair, Finance and Accounting, PAN IIT International Management Conference 2018, IIT Roorkee, Nov 30-Dec 2, 2018
Workshop: Building teams that work, Forest Training Institute, Sundernagar, HP, October 2018
Workshop: Accounting and Finance for Startups, IIT Mandi Catalyst, September 2018
Member, Panel Discussion on State of Aadhaar, International Conference on Aadhaar, Digital Identity Research Initiative, Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, 12-13, July 2018
CONFERENCE PAPERS
Singh, P., Asava, R., & Agrawal, N.M. (2024). AI-Connect: Talent-as-a-Service. 4th AIMA- ICRC Case Writing Competition & Conference, 2024, All-India Management Association, 9-11 May, 2024. (Certificate of Merit - Top 10 Cases)
Yadav, D., & Singh P. (2023). Student Entrepreneurship Landscape: Mapping Students’ Entrepreneurial Intentions, and Activities. National Conference on the Power of Entrepreneurial Education: Developing Youth Mindset for Innovation and Economic Growth’ Organized by SCERT-Delhi, 20th December, 2023.
Jaswal, N., & Singh P. (2023). The Emerging Market Separations in Early-Stage Tech Startups: A Systematic Review of the Market Separation Theory, International Confluence Conference on Startups and Innovation, December 13-15, 2023, Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras (Best Paper Award)
Singh, L., & Singh P. (2023). How does mentoring navigate startup innovation?, International Confluence Conference on Startups and Innovation, December 13-15, 2023, Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras
Yadav, D., & Singh P. (2023). "What drives Student Entrepreneurship? An Empirical Analysis of Entrepreneurial Intention and Activities in Indian Educational Institutions", International Confluence Conference on Startups and Innovation, December 13-15, 2023, Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras
Sirohi, A., & Singh, P. (2022). Homestay Business Model Analysis: A Case Study of Himachal Pradesh. International Conference on People, Ecosystem & Emerging Trend in Entrepreneurship, FIED, IIM Kashipur & HCE, Strathclyde Business School, United Kingdom.
Kaur, N., & Singh, P. (2022). Role of financial literacy in the adoption of banking methods among the rural population: An empirical study of Himachal Pradesh, India. India Public Policy Network (IPPN) Annual Conference, IIM Ahmedabad.
Gupta, S., & Singh, P. (2021). Factors affecting Banking Agents ’ Intention to Continue : Empirical Study in rural India. 3rd Annual Indian Public Policy Network Conference.
Ray, S. S., & Singh, P. (2021). MVP Discovery by Early Stage Startups: A Qualitative Analysis of Founders' Hindsight. In R.Sharma, S. Shukla, A. Kumar, A.K. Dwivedi & G. Batthini (Eds.), Fourteenth Biennial Conference on Entrepreneurship. Bookwell Delhi. http://library.ediindia.ac.in:8181/xmlui//handle/123456789/12646
Gupta, S., & Singh, P. (2020). Technology readiness and intention to continue: A study of banking agents in HP. 3rd ICDE and 14th ISDSI Annual Conference 2020 on Building New Digital Ecosystem.
Ray, S. S., & Singh, P. (2020, December 27-29). Demystifying Minimum Viable Product: Theory, Perceptions, and Practice [Paper presentation]. 3rd ICDE & 14th ISDSI Annual Conference 2020, Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.
Singh, P., & Gupta, S. (2019b). Role of Aadhaar in the last mile banking: Experiences from the field. 2nd Annual Conference of the Indian Public Policy Network.
Singh, Puran and Gupta, Sanal (2019a). Does Location affect performance of banking agent? A study of BC Model of Banking in Himachal Pradesh, In XIV International Conference on Public Policy and Management, IIM Bangalore.
Singh, Puran, Gupta, Sanal and Kaur Navdeep (2019). Aadhaar-linkinig and improved last mile delivery of banking services in Himachal Pradesh, In 2nd Annual International Conference of the India Public Policy Network, University of Delhi.
Singh, Puran and Gupta, Sanal (2018). Product design and delivery issues in last mile banking: Experiences from field study in Himachal Pradesh, In PAN IIT International Management Conference 2018, IIT Roorkee.
Singh, Puran and Ray, Suryani,S. (2018). Dynamics of Incubation Selection Criteria: How Does Startup Application Content Guide Selection Decision?, In PAN IIT International Management Conference 2018, IIT Roorkee.
Singh, Puran (2012). Funding Structure and Performance of Microfinance Institutions in India: An Empirical Analysis of Indian Microfinance Institutions, In International Conference on India in an era of global uncertainties: issues, opportunities & challenges, Gian Jyoti Institute of Management Studies, Mohali.
Singh, Puran (2012). Evaluation of Microfinance Delivery Mechanisms: A Study of Indian Microfinance Industry, In UGC- sponsored National Seminar on global supply chain management: challenges and prospects, University Business School, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Singh, Puran (2012). Role of External Governance in Development of Microfinance Industry: An Empirical Analysis of Indian Microfinance Institutions, In National Seminar on Economic reforms: an unfinished agenda, GGDSD College, Chandigarh.
Singh, Puran (2012). Ethical Issues in Governance of Shareholder Funded Model of Microfinance, In International conference on business ethics and human values, University Business School, Panjab University,Chandigarh.
Singh, Puran and Saini, Gagan (2009). Skills Gap Analysis, In International conference on management and valuation of intangibles, University Business School, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
ARTICLES IN POPULAR PRESS
Singh, Puran (2018). Starting up is more than complex tech. Here is some advice for the budding entrepreneur raring to go, Yourstory.com.
Singh, Puran, Bang, Nupur. P and Patke, Prachi (2015). To cut or not to cut: Tug of war between RBI and govt, Business Section, Rediff.com.
Bang, Nupur. P and Singh, Puran (2014). The Coal Plight of India, Global Association of Risk Professionals.
Bang, Nupur. P and Singh, Puran (2014). Why India can't do away with taxes, Business Section, Rediff.com.
Bang, Nupur. P and Singh, Puran (2013). The untold coal story: Jharkhand’s cycle pullers work for pittance, Firstpost.com.
Bang, Nupur. P and Singh, Puran (2013). Duvvuri Subbarao: Green horn that locked horns, Business Section, Rediff.com.
Bang, Nupur. P and Singh, Puran (2013). Punishing India’s love of gold will not yield result, Beyond Bricks, Financial Times.
Bang, Nupur. P and Singh, Puran (2013). Why is gold so dear to everyone?, Business Section, Rediff. com.
AWARDS
"Certificate of Merit - Top 10 Cases", Singh, P., Asava, R., & Agrawal, N.M. (2024). AI-Connect: Talent-as-a-Service. 4th AIMA- ICRC Case Writing Competition & Conference, 2024, All-India Management Association, 9-11 May, 2024
"Best Paper Award" for Jaswal, N., & Singh P. (2023). The Emerging Market Separations in Early-Stage Tech Startups: A Systematic Review of the Market Separation Theory, International Confluence Conference on Startups and Innovation, December 13-15, 2023, Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras
"Recognized for Contribution to ISBA Governing Body during 2022-23", at ISBAcon 2023, Indian STEPS and Incubators' Association, Mumbai, Oct 26-28, 2023
"Excellence in Teaching", Teaching Honors Award 2021, IIT Mandi
"Significant and effective contribution in setting up Catalyst, IIT Mandi's TBI", Foundation Day Awards, Feb 24, 2018, IIT Mandi
"Excellence in Teaching", Teaching Honors Award 2017, IIT Mandi
"IIM RAIPUR - ET CASES Award – For a Case Showcasing Futuristic and Progressive Idea", Global Summit on Management Cases, 2014
“Excellent Contribution by an Academic Associate”, Annual Awards for 2012-13, Indian School of Business, Hyderabad
"Gold Medal", B. Com, 2006, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla